The latest sales figures show winners and losers among carmakers. Foley's automotive update for 14 October reports that third-quarter U.S. new-vehicle sales increased for Honda, up 9.3 per cent year on year, Nissan, with retail sales up 7.8 per cent, Hyundai Motor Group, up 5.4 per cent, and Toyota, up 0.5 per cent. Sales fell for Ford, down 6.6 per cent, and GM, down 5.5 per cent, and Stellantis reported a 12 per cent drop for North America.
Industry analysts quoted in Automotive News are discussing the likelihood that Toyota will surpass GM as the top-selling automaker in the U.S. by volume. GM has long held the top position, so a change would be symbolically important, although I have not seen the full analysis or the margin involved. Sales ranking can shift depending on which period and which measure is used.
Several factors could explain the pattern. Japanese and Korean brands have been strong in fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles, which may appeal to buyers amid high fuel prices related to the Middle East conflict. Tariffs and changing incentives also affect pricing, and U.S. EV sales have fallen after the federal credit expired, which may have affected companies with more electric exposure.
For consumers, sales rankings do not say which car is best for you, but they indicate where the market is moving and how carmakers may adjust offers. If a brand is losing sales, it may provide incentives, while a brand that is growing may face stock shortages. Watch for the final fourth-quarter data, which will show whether Toyota actually overtakes GM, and for company statements about the year-end outlook.
